New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5)
Get the specialised skills and knowledge you need to become a Personal Trainer. With this practical qualification, you’ll discover how to plan, implement and evaluate specific exercise programmes tailored to your clients’ needs and abilities. This programme will also take you through nutrition and behaviour, so you will become fully prepared to work with clients in a holistic manner.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a Personal Trainer.
With this hands-on qualification, taught by highly-experienced and industry-connected staff, you will discover how to plan, implement and evaluate exercise programmes. By also studying nutrition and behaviour, you will be fully prepped to work with clients in a holistic manner.
Time spent in our purpose-built, teaching gym, as well as experience with local industry, will enable you to gain a solid understanding of the role of a Personal Trainer. In addition, the chance to work with a variety of clients during the programme will allow you to develop a strong client base. Other career opportunities include an Exercise Consultant.
Successful completion of this Level 5 Certificate will enable you to apply for registration as a Personal Trainer with REPs NZ (Register of Exercise Professionals New Zealand). Alternatively, you could expand your learning and career horizons with our degree programme specialising in Sport, Exercise or Health (Physical and Nutrition).
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over one year.
International
July
About the programme
Gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a Personal Trainer.
With this hands-on qualification, taught by highly-experienced and industry-connected staff, you will discover how to plan, implement and evaluate exercise programmes. By also studying nutrition and behaviour, you will be fully prepped to work with clients in a holistic manner.
Time spent in our purpose-built, teaching gym, as well as experience with local industry, will enable you to gain a solid understanding of the role of a Personal Trainer. In addition, the chance to work with a variety of clients during the programme will allow you to develop a strong client base. Other career opportunities include an Exercise Consultant.
Successful completion of this Level 5 Certificate will enable you to apply for registration as a Personal Trainer with REPs NZ (Register of Exercise Professionals New Zealand). Alternatively, you could expand your learning and career horizons with our degree programme specialising in Sport, Exercise or Health (Physical and Nutrition).
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over one year.
What You Study
Courses
| Course name | Description | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Practice 2 | Learn how to apply and evaluate professional practice principles of working in the exercise industry. | 5 | 15 |
| Exercise Science 2 | Gain an understanding of how to apply behaviour change interventions in relation to nutrition and exercise. | 5 | 15 |
| Exercise Prescription - Theory | Learn how to develop and adapt exercise prescriptions to meet the needs of clients. | 5 | 15 |
| Personal Training - Practice | Discover how to plan, implement and evaluate exercise programmes for a range of exercise participants. | 5 | 15 |
Further study options
Expand your learning and career horizons with our Bachelor of Applied Science (specialising in Sport, Exercise, or Health (Physical and Nutrition). This can then pathway into more advanced study specialising in Physical Conditioning with our Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science.
Workload
Your workload
Full-time students will be expected to study for 36 hours per week. This will include directed teaching, self-directed learning and industry experience hours. If you choose to study part-time, you will need to study for around 16 hours per week.
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or equivalent.
- In exceptional circumstances, an applicant under 20 who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme where they supply evidence of their ability to succeed on the programme.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Fees Free
If you’re a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary study in New Zealand (over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher), you may be able to get free tuition fees for this programme.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access funding by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
Additional costs
All students will need to wear Otago Polytechnic branded clothing when they are working with clients or out with industry. We ask all learners to have a laptop or tablet that they can use for classwork.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
